Higher with Every Joint Scholar's Studio Gift Box

Brand Introduction

Yishui inkstones are produced in Yixian, Hebei, known as Yizhou in ancient times, and rank among China’s Ten Famous Inkstones. Their crafting techniques were added to the national intangible cultural heritage list in 2008. Their history dates back to the Han dynasty. After 2,000 years of continuous transmission, they have absorbed the essence of northern and southern inkstone carving, forming a distinctive character and artistic style known as “southern elegance and northern grandeur.” Yixian lies deep in the Taihang Mountains, where geological deposits formed over hundreds of millions of years have given rise to such prized inkstone materials as Yudai stone, Zicui stone, Foshi, Wujin stone, Dongshao stone and Yishui jade. Dense, fine and smooth in texture, the stone is praised in the Yizhou Gazetteer as “in no way inferior to Duanxi stone” and “fine and hard, making an excellent inkstone,” earning it the reputation of “Duan in the south, Yi in the north.” Yishui inkstone carving emphasizes the natural qualities of the stone, adapting the craft to the material and achieving remarkable artistry. A range of techniques—including flat carving, relief carving, openwork carving, bas-relief, pierced carving, and contrasting yin-yang carving—brings poetry, calligraphy, painting and seal art together within a small space. The work both preserves the stone’s natural grain and imbues it with a humanistic spirit. From raw inkstone material to elegant scholarly objects, Yishui inkstones draw on the spirit of the Yishui landscape and carry forward the character of 1,000 years of intangible heritage, transforming uncut stone into refined objects through dedicated craftsmanship, embodying the spirit of the literati, continuing the cultural lineage of China, and bringing together Eastern aesthetics and intangible heritage craftsmanship.